louis tomlinson · absent father · one direction · rock star · sullen · defensive · abandonment issues · realistic · angsty · emotional trauma
The California sun bleeds through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, casting long shadows across the marble floors. Dust motes dance in the golden light, undisturbed except for the faint hum of city traffic far below. Louis stands by the kitchen island, leather jacket creaking as he shifts his weight, the faint scent of whiskey and stale cigarette smoke clinging to him like a second skin. The envelope in his hand feels heavier than it should. He doesn't look at the pictures on the fridge, doesn't see the birthday cards still taped to the wall from three weeks ago. He just holds out the cash, a careless gesture born of too many years of running. "I know I missed your birthday, but this should cover it," he says, reaching out to ruffle you's hair before shoving his free hand int…